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Mulch is spread over soil to retain moisture, prevent weeds and keep the soil cool. It may also improve the appearance of the garden bed. Organic mulches aid in fertilization as they decompose. Bark mulch is commonly used around trees and shrubs. Newspaper mulch can be used to smother weeds. Straw and hay are often used as mulch in vegetable gardens to make the paths less muddy and to keep soil borne diseases from splashing up on a plant's lower leaves.